GIVING
Lynn University and The Quell Foundation call on first responders
A mental health discussion for clinicians, practitioners and other experts.
Kevin M. Lynch, founder of The Quell Foundation (left); Raul Rivas, retired Orlando Police Department SWAT team leader; Sarah Pearson, Boca Raton Chamber vice president; Doug Monda, former undercover narcotics agent; and Debra Ainbinder, associate dean at Lynn University.
Lynn University and The Quell Foundation collaborated once again for an on-campus event aimed to help normalize the conversation around mental health awareness in the first responder community. Approximately 100 local clinicians, practitioners and first responders heard from experts in the field, explored the stories of first responders struggling with mental health issues and attended a viewing of The Quell Foundation’s newest documentary, First Responders Sound the Alarm.
"With this documentary and the First Responders Special Edition exhibit, we introduced the detrimental results of unaddressed compounding trauma of public service professionals," said Lynn alumnus Kevin M. Lynch '11, founder of The Quell Foundation. "Our organization's goal is to normalize a new culture for mental wellness in the first responder community by building resilient mindsets at work, at home and into retirement through trusted and proven educational resources."
In 2021, Lynch premiered The Quell Foundation's Lift the Mask documentary at Lynn and led a discussion regarding mental illness. The same year, Lynch created a scholarship for students interested in mental health counseling.
"Kevin's partnership, friendship and support for Lynn has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the next generation of clinicians," said Barbara Cambia, executive director of Career and Alumni Connections. "We're happy we collaborated with him again on this new initiative."
"We saw this interactive and holistic event as an excellent start to conversations on working with first responders in our community."
Dr. Debra L. Ainbinder, associate dean and professor, clinical mental health counseling
Kevin M. Lynch leads a discussion with panelists Joe Coffey, Chris Fields, Ali Cunningham, Raul Rivas and Doug Monda.
Creating awareness
Typically arriving first on the scene of an incident, paramedics, firefighters, police and other responders often face dangerous and emotional situations that can lead to anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder and more.
"There are many first responders dealing with mental health issues," said Dr. Jon Sperry, associate professor and counseling core faculty at Lynn. "And we want to help counselors and other mental health professionals understand how they can provide effective and culturally responsive services to emergency personnel who have been on the front lines."
Unfortunately, many public servants do not seek help for fear of confidentiality breaches or negative career outcomes. Or they simply cannot find adequate help for their unique mental health needs—making stigma awareness and properly trained professionals essential.
"We saw this interactive and holistic event as a way to start having conversations about mental health in the first responder community," said Dr. Debra L. Ainbinder, associate dean and professor of counseling in the clinical mental health counseling program.
Breaking barriers
Participants explored the first-of-its-kind First Responders Special Edition exhibit, watched the First Responders Sound the Alarm documentary and also attended a panel discussion. Panel speakers included former Warwick, Rhode Island, Police Captain Joe Coffey; former Oklahoma City Firefighter Chris Fields; Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Ali Cunningham; former Undercover Narcotics Agent Doug Monda; and retired Orlando Police Department SWAT team leader Raul Rivas.
The event concluded with a workshop for mental health practitioners featuring Joy Hutchinson, a licensed professional counselor, national certified counselor, certified trauma professional and a 10-year past first responder. Her research has focused on first responders' experiences and the barriers and stigma associated with counseling.
"Mental health practitioners were exposed to evidence-based practices on working with individuals who face crises and trauma as a part of their everyday lives," said Ainbinder. "It provided participants with an understanding of the culture and perspectives within the first responder community."
Attendees viewed the First Responders Special Edition exhibit.
"It's imperative that we are responsible for not only de-stigmatizing mental health but also ensuring we have trained professionals prepared to work with this unique population."
Kevin M. Lynch '11, founder, The Quell Foundation
Educational focus
At the event, Lynn faculty members announced plans for a new concentration in its M.S. in clinical mental health counseling program. Future students can take courses in crisis, trauma and resilience counseling—an essential skill set for clinicians treating the first responder community.
The curriculum addition is made possible by a personal and generous $250,000 donation from Lynch and his wife, Karen. The contribution is also part of a matching gift challenge called the Trauma Training Fund. Supporters can visit give.lynn.edu/trauma-training to donate.
Through the years, the Lynches have consistently supported Lynn's initiative to examine and raise awareness of mental health both in and out of the classroom.
"It's imperative that we are responsible for not only de-stigmatizing mental health but also ensuring we have trained professionals prepared to work with this unique population," said Lynch. "Karen and I are thrilled to support this next generation of mental health professionals."